MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST NR Eligible: yes …msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/stagsere/se1/se5/... · The metal-frame carports measure 12 x 24 feet; an 8 x 12 foot addition was built

MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST NR Eligible: yes DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY FORM no

Property Name: Fort Hoyle Officers' Quarters on Austin Road Inventory Number: HA-2072

Address: Austin Road, Edgewood Area, Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) Historic district: X yes no

City: APG Zip Code: 21010 County: Harford

USGS Quadrangle(s): Edgewood

Property Owner: US Army Garrison, APG Tax Account ID Number:

Tax Map Parcel Number(s): Tax Map Number:

Project: Residential Communities Initiative Agency: US Army Garrison, APG

Agency Prepared By: US Army, APG, Cultural Resources Program

Preparer's Name: Date Prepared: 10/15/2006

Documentation is presented in:

Preparer's Eligibility Recommendation: X Eligibility recommended Eligibility not recommended

Criteria: A B X c D Considerations: A B C D E F G

Complete if the property is a contributing or non-contributing resource to a NR district/property

Name of the District/Property:

Inventory Number: Eligible: yes Listed: yes

Site visit by MHT Staff yes X no Name: Date:

Description of Property and Justification: (Please attach map and photo)

Fort Hoyle, a US Army field artillery post, was established in 1922 on a portion of the Army's Edgewood Arsenal in Harford County, Maryland. Although funds were limited for initial construction, family officers' housing was a priority on the post. The construction often officers' quarters (Buildings E4830, E4832, E4834, E4836, E4838, E4840, E4842, E4844, E4846 and E4848) on Austin Road in 1923 was one of the few approved Army housing projects nationwide.

Exterior Description

The ten houses along Austin Road were built according to Quartermaster General plan #6651-108 (Edgewood Arsenal/Fort Hoyle var.). All ten dwellings are identical wood-frame, two-story, three-bay Dutch Colonial Revival buildings. The exteriors currently are clad with vinyl siding. The original siding was pine beveled siding with mitered corners; original specifications called for painting exterior walls and trim in a light limestone color (Fort Hoyle 1923). Each house was built upon a partial basement of structural clay tile with stuccoed exterior walls; records suggest that the basements were enlarged and poured-concrete foundations were installed in 1934 (Fort Hoyle 1934). Each house has a gambrel roof originally sheathed in slate shingles; asphalt shingles replaced the slate shingles by 1982 (Fort Hoyle 1923; Historic American Buildings Survey 1982). The house eaves feature metal

MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST REVIEW

Eligibility recommended X Eligibility not recommended

Criteria: ^ A B ^ C D Considerations: A B C D

MHT Comments:

xci , w.! .^ ui Preservation Services Daft

iewer, NationaN^egister Program I I Date

NR-ELIGIBILITY REVIEW FORM

HA-2072 Fort Hoyle Officers' Quarters on Austin Road

Page 2

soffits. A louvered ventilation panel is located in the upper gambrel ends. Shed-roof dormers with three windows span the front roof elevations. Each house has one exterior, shouldered, brick chimney located on the west elevation. A second brick chimney projects from the rear roof plane.

The three-bay symmetrical front (south) elevation has a central doorway comprising the original nine-light over wood-panel door with three-light and wood-panel sidelights. All windows are one-over-one-light, thermal-pane, double-hung units set in vinyl-cladl surrounds; these windows replaced the original wood-frame, six-over-six-light, double-hung windows between 1982 and 1993 (Fort Hoyle 1923; Historic American Buildings Survey 1982; Grandine et al. 1993). A one-story, hipped-roof screened porch spans the front elevation; the framing of the screening is clad in vinyl. The porch currently rests on a solid concrete and brick foundation. The original front porch was unscreened and was supported by piers with wood lattice between them (Fort Hoyle 1923). The porch roof originally was supported by four wood columns. A concrete porch floor replaced the original tongue-and-groove wood floor. The porch ceiling is constructed of narrow beaded wood boards. The front porch is accessed by concrete steps. An at-grade doorway is located near the center of the dwelling's east elevation; this side doorway contains a modern flush wood door, which replaced the original six-light and wood panel door (Fort Hoyle 1923).

The original rear (north) elevations of the company-grade officers' dwellings had three-bay shed dormers on the second stories. The first stories of the rear elevations had one-bay, shed-roof, rear porches with wood columns; a small room containing a toilet was located off one end of each porch (Fort Hoyle 1923). The rear porches were enclosed in 1925 (Edgewood Arsenal/Fort Hoyle var.). During 1929 and 1930, two-story, flat-roof rear additions were constructed on the houses (Edgewood Arsenal/Fort Hoyle var.; Fort Hoyle 1931b). Due to a severe storm in 1933, the flat roofs of the additions developed leaks. The following year, the slate shingles on the flat roofs were replaced with sheet iron to correct the problem (Fort Hoyle 1934). The first story of each rear addition currently contains one window and a rear door, which is a modern replacement door. The top section of the door is glass with diamond-shaped faux muntins; the lower section is a cross panel. The door is accessed by a concrete stoop and steps; the number of steps for each house is dictated by the grade along the rear elevation. A pent roof delineates the division between the first and second floors.

Interior Description

Although interior inspection of the houses was not possible, the completion report documenting their construction described the original interior features. Interior inspection in January 2006 of Building E1230 on Everette Road at the former Edgewood Arsenal provided further details; this house originally was identical to those constructed on Austin Road at Fort Hoyle. Each house, originally was finished with smooth plaster walls, painted yellow pine trim, and waxed oak floors. Trim included nine-inch wood baseboards with molded tops and wide wood window and door surrounds. The houses were equipped with wiring for electric lights and ranges. A single fireplace was located in the living room. The fireplace featured a wood surround with classically-inspired pilasters and frieze. The stairs featured a round newel post and a wood balustrade with square wood balusters. The houses were heated through steam heat (Fort Hoyle 1923).

The floor plan originally featured a living room, dining room, kitchen, and pantry on the first floor and a half bathroom off the rea«~ porch; the second floor contained three bedrooms and a full bathroom. The two-story rear addition constructed in 1929 and 1930 provided a first-story servant's bedroom and bathroom and a second-story sun porch (Directorate of Installation Operations var.; Edgewood Arsenal/Fort Hoyle var.; Fort Hoyle 1931b).

Each dwelling currently encompasses 2,104 square feet and contains three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each house underwent a rehabilitation ca. 1957 that focused on the kitchen and bathrooms. In 1986, each kitchen again was renovated, and alterations were, performed on the second-floor bathroom in Building E4830. In 1996, each dwelling underwent a general upgrade, which include^


Eligibility recommended Eligibility not recommended

Criteria: A B __C D Considerations: A B C _ D

MHT Comments:

Reviewer, Office of Preservation Services Date

Reviewer, National Register Program Date



Page 3

the installation of central air conditioning. Also in 1996, a vinyl picket fence was installed to enclose the side yard of each house (Directorate of Installation Operations var.).

Condition and Integrity

The houses are in good condition. They retain integrity of location, design, setting, workmanship, feeling, and association. The replacement of windows, doors, roof sheathing, wall cladding, and front-porch floors has somewhat diminished the integrity of the. dwellings' materials.

Garages/Carports

In December 1923, five garages were constructed along an access road behind the Austin Road houses (Edgewood Arsenal/Fort Hoyle var.). These garages were assigned building numbers 257-A (285-A, E4847), 259-A (287-A, E4843), 261-A (289-A, E4841), 263-A (291-A, E4835), and 265-A (293-A, E4831) (Fort Hoyle 1931a; US Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command var.). Each garage, which measured approximately 35 x 20 feet, was a wood-frame, front gable-roof building that accommodated two cars and two storage rooms (Edgewood Arsenal/Fort Hoyle var.). Each garage rested on tile piers and featured a wood floor, exterior wood siding, two wood swing front doors, four-panel wood side doors, fixed six-light windows, and tar-paper roof sheathing.

In 1982, the five garages were replaced by ten carports, which currently survive (Buildings E4831 through E4849, odd numbers) (Directorate of Installation Operations 1989). The metal-frame carports measure 12 x 24 feet; an 8 x 12 foot addition was built fop each carport in 1990. A storage room at the end of each carport measures 4 x 12 feet. The carports, which encompass 432 square feet, have concrete foundations, metal walls, and metal gable roofs. Air vents were installed in the carports in 1999 (Directorate of Installation Operations var.). The carports are in good condition.

Evaluation

The creation of Fort Hoyle in 1922 on Edgewood Arsenal's land saved the US Army the cost of building a new post; however, For Hoyle had to utilize the existing land and buildings and share services with Edgewood Arsenal (Smart 1994:24-25). At the time cf Fort Hoyle's establishment, limited funds were available for construction projects. Nevertheless, family officers' housing was needed on the post.

The Fort Hoyle officers' quarters on Austin Road, constructed in 1923, represent the type and style of dwellings built during the US Army's interwar housing program. The houses illustrate the Army's desire to provide comfortable housing designed in popular architectural styles. The siting of the dwellings overlooking open space and the placement of the service area behind the houses illustrate common interwar building practices for officers' quarters. The number and types of rooms follow guidelines for company-grade officers' quarters, reflecting military hierarchy. The Fort Hoyle officers' quarters on Austin Road possess local significance under National Register Criterion C for embodying the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, and method of construction. The period of significance falls between 1923 and 1940, beginning at the date of construction and ending at the conclusion of the Army's interwar housing program. This period includes the early alterations that occurred to the houses as part of the building program.

Under National Register Criterion C, the character-defining features of the Austin Road officers' quarters relate to architectural design, style, and setting. These features include the form and plan of the dwellings, the remaining original materials, and the identifying characteristics of the Dutch Colonial Revival style. As illustrated in the Austin Road houses, Dutch Colonial Revival



Criteria: A B C D Considerations: A B C D E F G

MHT Comments:




HA-2072

Page 4

Fort Hoyle Officers' Quarters on Austin Road

characteristics are represented by the gambrel roofs, the shed dormers, the front doorways, the symmetrical fenestration on the front elevations, and the front porches. The open views from the front elevations of the houses and the rear service area are character-defining features related to the setting.

The Fort Hoyle officers' quarters on Austin Road retain integrity of location, design, setting, workmanship, feeling, and association. The houses occupy their original location, and their setting has been preserved. The dwellings have continued to serve their original uses since their construction in 1923, demonstrating integrity of association. The houses convey the feeling of an independent, commissioned officers' residential community. The buildings retain most of their original form and design; the only major form-altering modifications are the two-story rear additions. These additions, which were built only six years after the houses were constructed, completed the houses and ensured the recommended number and types of rooms for company-grade officers. In terms of style, the Austin Road officers' quarters clearly retain their Dutch Colonial Revival characteristics. The replacement of windows, roof sheathing, wall cladding, and front-porch floors has somewhat diminished the integrity of the dwellings' materials.

Conclusion

The Fort Hoyle officers' quarters on Austin Road are a recognizable entity that possesses the qualities of significance and integrity required for National Register consideration as an historic district with local significance under Criterion C for the time period 1923 to 1940. The houses are representative in type and style of company-grade Army officers' quarters constructed during the interwar period. The dwellings illustrate the Army's policy of providing comfortable housing designed in popular architectural styles. The metal carports built in 1982 do not possess the qualities of significance and integrity required to be contributing resources to the proposed historic district.

The proposed Austin Road officers' quarters historic district encompasses the ten frame dwellings and the ten metal carports associated with the housing complex. The historic boundary on the south follows Austin Road. The northern boundary is located approximately 20 feet behind the carports. The eastern boundary falls approximately 20 feet east of Building E4830. The western edge of the district is delineated by the access road adjacent to Building E4848. The ten dwellings (Buildings E4830 through E4848, even numbers) possess the qualities of significance and integrity necessary to be contributing resources to the historic district. The metal carports built in 1982 (Buildings E4831 through E4849, odd numbers) do not possess the qualities of significance and integrity required to be contributing resources to the proposed historic district.

Bibliography

Directorate of Installation Operations var. Building drawings and real property records. On file in Building 4304, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

1989 Building Information Schedule. On file in Building 4304, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

Edgewood Arsenal/Fort Hoyle, Maryland var. Historical Record of Buildings, Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland. On file at National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland. Record Group 77, Entry 393, Box 59, Folder 1 of 6.

Fort Hoyle, Maryland 1923 Completion Report: Construction of 20 Sets of Officers' Quarters at Edgewood Arsenal and Fort Hoyle, Maryland. On file at National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland. Record Group 77, Entry 391, Box 132, Book 1.



Criteria: A B C D Considerations: A

MHT Comments:

Reviewer, Office of Preservation Services

Reviewer, National Register Program

C D

Date

Date



Page 5

1931a Completion Report for Construction of Additions and Inclosures of Front Porches in Building Nos. 267, 268, and 270, Field Officers' Quarters, Fort Hoyle, Maryland. On file at National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland. Record Group 77, Entry 391, Box 132, Book 1A.

1931b Completion Report for an Addition to Company Officers' Quarters, Building Nos. 257, 258, 260, 264 and 266, Fort Hoyle, Maryland. On file at National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland. Record Group 77, Entry 391, Box 132, Book 1A.

1934 Completion Report of C.W.A. Projects, Fort Hoyle, Maryland. On file at National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland. Record Group 77, Entry 391, Box 132, Book 2.

Grandine, Katherine, Thomas W. Davis, Christopher R. Polglase, Kathryn M. Kuranda, Leo P. Hirrel, Tom Dod, Timothy Silva,! Justine Woodard, and Bethany M. Usher 1993 Aberdeen Proving Ground Cultural Resource Management Plan. Prepared by R. Christopher Goodwin & Associates, Inc., Frederick, Maryland, for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Baltimore, Maryland.

Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record 1982 HABS/HAER Inventory Cards for buildings at Edgewood Area, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

US Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, Historical Research and Response Team var. Building vertical files. On file in Building E5027, Edgewood Area, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.



Criteria: A B C D Considerations: A B C D E F G

MHT Comments:



Table 1. HA-2072: Fort Hoyle Officers' Quarters on Austin Road

BldS. # E4830 E4832 E4834 E4836 E4838 E4840 E4842 E4844 E4846 E4848 E4831 E4833 E4835 E4837 E4839 E4841 E4843 E4845 E4847 E4849

Description House House House House House House House House House House Garage Garage Garage Garage Garage Garage Garage Garage Garage Garage

Construction Date 1923 1923 1923 1923 1923 1923 1923 1923 1923 1923 1982 1982 1982 1982 1982 1982 1982 1982 1982 1982

NRHP Eligibility Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible

Contributing Element to Historic District Contributing Element to Historic District Contributing Element to Historic District Contributing Element to Historic District Contributing Element to Historic District Contributing Element to Historic District Contributing Element to Historic District Contributing Element to Historic District Contributing Element to Historic District Contributing Element to Historic District

Ineligible; Non-Contributing Element to Historic District Ineligible; Non-Contributing Element to Historic District Ineligible; Non-Contributing Element to Historic District Ineligible; Non-Contributing Element to Historic District Ineligible; Non-Contributing Element to Historic District Ineligible; Non-Contributing Element to Historic District Ineligible; Non-Contributing Element to Historic District Ineligible; Non-Contributing Element to Historic District Ineligible; Non-Contributing Element to Historic District Ineligible; Non-Contributing Element to Historic District

HA-2G72 Fort Hoyle Officers' Quarters on Austin Road Edgewood Area Aberdeen Proving Ground Harford County, MD

RESOURCE SKETCH MAP Historic District Boundary

HA-2072 Fort Hoyle Officers' Quarters on Austin Road Edgewood Area Aberdeen Proving Ground Harford County, M.D

GENERAL SITE MAP - 1986 ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND

HA-2072 Fort Hoyle Officers' Quarters on

Austin Road Edgewood Area Aberdeen Proving Ground Harford County, MD Edgewood Quadrangle

Documents

MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST NR Eligible: yes …msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/stagsere/se1/se5/... · The metal-frame carports measure 12 x 24 feet; an 8 x 12 foot addition was built